Looking For 300 Million Thyroid Sufferers Across The Globe

According to the Thyroid Federation International, there are up to 300 million people worldwide with thyroid dysfunction, yet over half are unaware of their condition. I am looking for each and every one of them. I will not rest until I find them. I am a woman on a mission.

Hypothyroid Mom Is Looking For YOU.

Over 150 Million Undiagnosed Thyroid Sufferers

How is it possible that there are over 150 million thyroid sufferers worldwide unaware of their condition? The majority of them suffer from hypothyroidism. What’s happened that so many fellow hypothyroidism sufferers are undiagnosed? This is so disturbing to me.

Every cell of the body requires thyroid hormone for proper functioning, so every part of the body is at risk when someone suffers from abnormal thyroid levels. One look at my post 300+ Hypothyroidism Symptoms…Yes REALLY makes it clear that thyroid dysfunction has the power to destroy our health.

Thyroid sufferers present to their doctors with so many health conditions. How is it possible that they are not being noticed?

Are they walking into their doctor’s office with common thyroid symptoms, but their symptoms are misdiagnosed for other conditions?

Do they suffer from frequent infections, and regularly prescribed antibiotics for infections such as bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, throat infections?

Do they suffer from insomnia and sleep apnea, and passed prescriptions for sleep medication and visits to sleep clinics?

Do they struggle with weight issues and swelling, and told to just eat less and exercise more?

Do they suffer from poor oral health including many cavities, gum disease, receding gums, bad breath, bleeding gums and TMJ, and sent to a dentist?

Do they suffer from eye problems including double vision, dry eyes, blurred vision, eye tics, spasms of the eyelid, senstivity to light, cataracts, and sent to the eye specialist?

Do they have issues with their ears including ringing in ears, deafness, and excess earwax, and sent to an ear, nose and throat specialist?

Do they suffer from hair loss and premature gray hair, and recommended hair loss tonics and a visit to the hair salon?

Do they suffer from dry itchy skin and skin conditions including eczema, rashes, acne, and hives, and sent to a dermatologist?

Do they suffer from chronic pain including headaches, painful feet, aching bones and muscles and fibromyalgia, and sent to a podiatrist or pain specialist?

Do they suffer from digestive issues including constipation, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, acid reflux, excessive belching, and sent to a gastroenterologist or recommended to visit the pharmacy with a huge shelf of digestive aids?

Have they landed in mental health wards with bipolar, depression, hallucinations, addictions, delusions, phobias, suicidal thoughts, or other mental disorders, and prescribed psychotropic drugs and therapy?

Are they new mothers struggling with fatigue, weight gain and depression, and diagnosed with postpartum depression?

Do they suffer from infertility or recurrent miscarriages, and sent to a fertility clinic?

Do they suffer from pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, maternal anemia, placental abruption, premature birth, or postpartum hemorrghage, and monitored by an ob/gyn?

Do they suffer from autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, MS, vitiligo, psoriasis, PCOS, alopecia, Celiac disease, or Cushing’s Disease, and sent to various specialists?

This is not to suggest that the referrals to specialists, prescriptions and treatments mentioned are not necessary and helpful. Not all symptoms are thyroid related. However given that thyroid disease can come with so many different symptoms, one important question still remains.

Was their thyroid ever FULLY tested?

Millions of Insufficiently Treated Thyroid Sufferers

How is it possible that so many treated thyroid sufferers are flocking to the internet in search of answers? Why are they still suffering thyroid symptoms when they are being treated? What is going on?

In mainstream medicine, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) is the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction. The problem is that this one blood test does not give a complete picture. Many thyroid sufferers have “normal” TSH but they still suffer debilitating symptoms. A full thyroid panel should at least include TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies, however all these tests are often NOT done by mainstream doctors.

The second major issue is that Levothyroxine is the most commonly prescribed thyroid hormone replacement drug for hypothyroidism. While these drugs work for some, they don’t work for all. For many hypothyroidism sufferers, our bodies fail to convert properly the T4 in these drugs to the active T3 our bodies need and we are left suffering symptoms.

If you are being treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication but you still don’t feel well, insist on further exploration. If you are still not feeling well, get a second opinion, a third opinion, even ten medical opinions until you find a doctor who explores the different drug options including T3 and natural desiccated thyroid to find what’s right for YOU.

Hypothyroid Mom Is Looking For YOU.

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Who knew that little butterfly-shaped thyroid gland at the base of my neck could affect my life so completely? I founded Hypothyroid Mom in memory of the unborn baby I lost to hypothyroidism. Winner of two 2014 WEGO Health Activist Awards: Health Activist Hero & Best In Show Twitter. *Hypothyroid Mom includes Affiliate links. Connect with me on Google+

Comments

Hello Dana,
I’ve been dealing with many health issues for several years now. Initially my galbladder died & had to be surgerically removed. Then I started having elevated liver enzymes, weight gain and digestion problems. My primary doctor checked my thyoid levels (T3 & T4 only) and put me one Synthroid .025. I was still feeling very sick, but was ignored. After a month later, I decided to go to my ENT. He checked me for Hashimotos antibodies. My level was 646. He then put me on a higher dose of Synthroid .075. I was still feeling sick and developing more symptoms. I went to an Endo doctor & he increased my Synthroid to .125. I still continue to deal with extreme medical problems: Fibromyalgia, TMJ Syndrome, RA, Osteo Arthritus, Gerd, Hyatial Hernia, Ulcers in stomach & colan (have either Ulcertive Colitus & or Crohns), had Fibroid Tumor mass in uterus, Poly Cystic Ovaries, swollen lymph nodes and on and on… Oh, I also have Factor V Leiden as well. Two months ago my Endo doctor tested for antibodies and my levels were still elevated up to 275. He didn’t seem alarmed but told me the reason for those numbers was that the damage was already done and would never be in the normal range (0-35) Please help! Sometimes, I feel like I’ll never be normal again. And I wonder how I can continue to live this way.
Sincerely,
Michelle Robbins

Michelle, I am so happy you found me at Hypothyroid Mom! I am very sorry to hear all that’s happening to you. Many of these symptoms you experience are common hypothyroidism symptoms. Although of course there may be other health issues causing some of these symptoms, it is clear you need a closer look at your thyroid condition. First off, it is important for you to get a copy of your lab results and to know your exact scores for Free T4 and Free T3. To the right of your scores on the lab results there will normally appear the normal reference ranges. It’s not enough to hear from your doctor that your levels are “normal” because “normal” does not mean optimal. It is very common for people with Hashimoto’s to have “normal” lab results while inside your body the immune system is attacking your thyroid. Internationally-known thyroid advocate Mary Shomon wrote, “More innovative doctors are beginning to believe that a TSH of around 1 – 2 — in the low end of the normal range — is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. Similarly, some practitioners feel that optimal hypothyroidism treatment includes Free T4 in the top half of the normal range, and Free T3 in the top 25th percentil of the normal range.” Look at your Free T4 and Free T3 and see where in the range they fall. I personally feel terrible when my Free T3 is in the low half or middle of the range. I feel my best in the top half of the range. Your doctor may think your “Free T3″ levels are “normal” but they are too low in the normal range. You must get your results and check it. If these tests have not been done ask for them.

The second issue is that while Synthroid works for some people, it doesn’t work for all. For many of our our bodies just don’t convert the hormone T4 in Synthroid to the active T3 hormone our bodies need and we suffer symptoms. You must speak with your doctor first about exploring the various drug options to find what’s right for you or find a doctor who will explore.

The other important point is that there are many possible underlying issues in an autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s that need to be checked including sex hormone levels, blood sugar balance, adrenal function, gluten intolerance, food sensitivities, vitamin D levels, B12, and selenium. Please take a look at these two posts here on Hashimoto’s and speak with your doctor about the testing suggested otherwise find a new doctor. Best of luck to you and welcome to Hypothyroid Mom!

I’m so happy to have found this site as I finally feel like I’m not alone in this struggle. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 1998 and received the radiation pill. Since then I struggle everyday to remember what I’m doing and where I’m supposed to be going. My husband doesn’t understand me at all especially now that my libido has been affected and he just thinks I don’t want him. I’m lucky that I haven’t had fertility issues, I’m blessed with 5 children. Between working full time 6 days a week, taking care of kids and having a husband to deal with I sometimes feel as if I can’t cope and want to go to a cold dark place where I can cry a little to relieve some stress. I have to make sure my keys are in my purse and everything is in place so I won’t forget anything. If I’m changing my routine I have to write down my plans or I will end up heading straight home from work like a robot. I have been living in Kuwait for over 9 years and it’s very hard to find someone who understands my problems as most endocrin doctors are dealing with diabetes which is a major issue here so no one really understand the thyroid issue although I have found a new doc who studied in the states so he changed my meds and will check back in next month. After my emergency c-section with my last child my body shut down completely. When I got married I weighed 160 and now I’m over 200 and my body refuses to go below the 200 pound mark with diet, exercise and trying everything. I’m starting to think I should just except my weight and move on as it causes some problems in my marriage, my hubby loves me and my body but I can’t except it after being skinny and getting so much attention. I really hope we can all work together to find a remedy for thyroid sufferers. I often wonder what a “normal” life would have been like. Thanks for the website and I will be checking it often for support.

I’m so happy to have you here on Hypothyroid Mom from Kuwait! My dream is for Hypothyroid Mom to be an international site for thyroid sufferers. Your symptoms are so common for hypothyroidism sufferers. I know the struggles all too well and I hope that my blog shows you that you are not alone. There are hundreds of millions of us around the world. I have a wonderful Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page growing. If you are on Facebook, you should join us there where readers ask questions and we share our experiences and suggestions.

The thyroid controls our metabolism so if our thyroid is not functioning properly there is no amount of diet or exercise that will help us. The first step is making sure we are optimally treated for our thyroid condition. Please speak with your doctor about testing your Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (TPO-Ab and TgAb). It’s not enough to hear from your doctor that your blood tests are fine. Ask for a copy and see if those tests were done, what your scores were, and where they fall relative to the normal ranges that will appear to the right of your scores. Are you being treated with thyroid medication? Which one?

Dana
Love your passion. Properly identifying hypothyroid patients is a key to improving so many people’s lives. It goes well beyond that though with me. My passion is to try to teach practitioners to take a functional approach to assessing & treating hypothyroidism.
-Identifying autoimmune thyroid patients and trying to correct that is first step.
-Utilizing the correct tests is critical, but interpretation of the tests just as important. The relationship of the tests to each other, as well as being in an optimal range rather than just normal should be examined.
-Giving T3 or a combo T4/T3 is important for someone not converting, but addressing the causes of poor conversion are even more important. Major issues with poor conversion are stress, poor nutrition, and less than optima liver detoxification, but there are many more possibilities.
-There are other tests that should be done to properly assess thyroid function, including Vitamin D, ferritin, a 4 point saliva cortisol, and iodine. Its not just about obtaining optimal levels of active fT3, it is also about making the hormone function optimally
-When thyroid replacement therapy is used, using a physiological amount is as critical as using the correct form of thyroid. In my opinion, the usual dosages used are most often too much hormone
Jim Paoletti, Pharmacist, FAARFM, FIACP

Jim, So great to have you on my page. When I was reading your comment you sounded so much like me it was amazing. Thank you for sharing this great information. There is desperate need for thyroid sufferers to find doctors who truly understand how to diagnose and treat thyroid conditions. I am so happy you are teaching practitioners to take a functional approach to assessing and treating hypothyroidism. I wish this was taught in medical school!!!! I applaud you for educating practitioners. So many of my readers struggle to find a great doctor. I hope to see the day when all doctors are trained on this topic and that full comprehensive thyroid testing is included in annual physicals. I hope to see the day. Thank you for sharing. Please let me know how doctors reading Hypothyroid Mom can contact you for training.

Hi Jim, thanks for summarizing what I found out on various websites succinctly. I’ve been wanting to do that but suffer from brain fog (I usually say brain FROG when talking out loud – which just about sums it up!) I particularly like the first emphasis on: Identifying autoimmune thyroid patients and trying to CORRECT THIS FIRST STEP. According to many websites HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE is the main cause of Hypothyroidism. Which I have both. So WHY AREN’T DOCTORS TRYING TO REDUCE THE ANTIBODY ATTACK ON THE THYROID, LETTING THE THYROID RECOVER RESULTING IN NOT HAVING TO TAKE THYROID DRUGS??!! Are the companies selling the thyroid hormones telling them it’s a waste of time trying to cure autoimmune thyroiditis so they can sell their cheap drugs? I think one of my symptoms is anxiety/paranoia/conspiracy… Luckily most of my symptoms aren’t too severe. I’ve had some symptoms for ages but particularly felt my health deteriorating during the last 4 years which coincided with a large fibroid. I had a partial hysterectomy 2 months ago. Is there a connection with rapid fibroid growth, Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism and sex hormones? Is it worth me pushing to have this tested? I did have Vit D insufficiency so was put on Euro-D 10,000 IU Vit D3 once a week. Vit. D levels are good now. Ferritin was very low in the range so taking iron tablets. I’m on 50 mg Levothyroxine (started on 25mg June 28th 2012). Antibodies when first checked:
TPO: 138.500 (1.5.12); 178,500 (16.6.12); 256.000 (13.9.12); 961.87 (25.11.12) and 486.62 (5.3.13). Anti-TG 498.6 (17.6.12) and has gone down to 51.57 (5.3.13). The anti-bodies seem to fluctuate. Why? I had liquorice tea and sweets (July to Sept.’12) in the hope it would make my adrenals healthy, therefore helping the conversion of T4 to T3 but later read it’s not good for Hashimoto’s. There’s so much conflicting and out of date information on the internet that I probably did the wrong thing which may have caused the antibodies to rise from 256 to 961. I stopped the liquorice and also gave up dairy then my antibodies went down to 486.

Hi Dana,
I think what you’re doing is great. My husband and 24 year old daughter get quite angry with me searching information on the net and think there’s nothing wrong with me. I can see symptoms in my family so have recommended that they get themselves tested but they don’t seem to be interested! In fact my dad’s sister has hypothyroidism (and had a hysterectomy). She had nodules cut off her thyroid gland so has the train track scar along her neck. suffers with depression and her son suffers from schizophrenia and is on lithium. Neither of them have had their Free T3 or antibodies tested.

How are you collecting your data? Best of luck xxx
I don’t understand the question: ‘Let me know you’re a real person’. I am real and not a pretend person.

Hi Louise, great to hear from you. I use a plugin that sets up my comments section and automatically asks people to confirm they are a real person, which I see on other people’s blog comments too and I am not technologically so savvy to know the reason why that plugin does that. I agree it is a strange question. I imagine it must be to stop the spam which comes in high amounts here on my blog and my plugin blogs all the hundreds of spams that have come in so far and I believe that security feature is how it’s stopping the spam otherwise you would see all the many spam comments that have been caught so far here in the comments section. Happy to have you on my page. By the way, sex hormone levels are intricately connected to the thyroid because when one hormone system is off it can cause disruption in other hormone systems like the thyroid hormone so absolutely you need to have your sex hormone levels tested. Have you had your adrenals tested with a saliva cortisol testing? This is a very common issue for thyroid sufferers and should be tested. You mentioned vitamin D and iron above which is great, you should also have your Vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc and selenium tested too in case you need supplementation. Have you tried going gluten free because gluten is linked to Hashimoto’s as are food sensitivities. It’s worth going gluten free for 30 days to see if it makes a difference. I went through a food elimination diet where I took out food groups including gluten, dairy, sugar, and then reintroduced them one at a time to find to which ones I was sensitive. Gluten was a big one for me as with many of my readers.

TSH varying between 1.1 and 4.85 (0.40-4.00), TPO 340 (0-35), TGAB 1985 (0-40). Levo had no positive affect, in fact it made me feel worse, as if my body was becoming toxic. Stopped levo after 9 months as it had no positive impact on any of my results. Still suffering from major hypo symptoms, weight gain, depression, anxiety, dry skin, brittle nails, acne, IBS, CFS, thinning eyebrow extremes and general malaise. My GP claims there is nothing wrong with my thyroid and my antibody readings are the cause of some other autoimmune disorder that has not been established as yet (load of rubbish in my eyes!). This is despite specific TPO and TgAb tests being completed and yielding the results above. I am of the opinion I need to start Armour in order to reduce the autoimmune attack on my thyroid, otherwise I am going to end up with multiple autoimmune conditions – would you tend to agree?

Hi Gordon, You have Hashimoto’s obvious from your high TPO-Ab and TgAb antibody levels. There is great debate over what is considered a normal TSH with thyroid advocates pushing for a narrowing of that range so by those standards no your TSH is not normal. Internationally known thyroid advocate Mary Shomon who runs the About.com Thyroid Disease site writes: “More innovative doctors are beginning to believe that a TSH of around 1 – 2 — in the low end of the normal range — is optimal for most people to feel well and avoid having hypothyroid or hyperthyroid symptoms. Similarly, some practitioners feel that optimal hypothyroidism treatment includes Free T4 in the top half of the normal range, and Free T3 in the top 25th percentil of the normal range.” I will post her article at the bottom for you to read in full. This also brings up the importance of testing your Free T4 and Free T3 levels. TSH does not give a complete picture of the problem so you need these two tests done and as Mary includes in her article it is not enough to have “normal” levels they should be in the top half of the normal range. Ask for copies of your lab results and to the right of every score you will see the normal reference ranges. I personally don’t feel well unless my Free T3 is in the top half of the range.

In addition, there is research showing that thyroid treatment will help slow down the Hashimoto’s attack. I’ve attached another great article by Mary Shomon on this topic. You are correct that you if you don’t slow down the attack you can then develop other autoimmune conditions. I have many readers with multiple autoimmune conditions as a result of years of no treatment.

I’ve also included here an article on Hashimoto’s. There are many potential underlying issues that could be triggering your autoimmune attack everything from sex hormone levels, blood sugar levels, gluten intolerance, food sensitivities, poor adrenal function, abnormal vitamin D, B12, magnesium or selenium. So it’s important to have these tested and treated if needed. You may need to switch doctors to find someone who do all the testing and who will explore all the drug options with you including natural desiccated thyroid like Armour. Best of luck to you.

thanks Dana. My fT4 is 13.5 (10-22) and my fT3 is 6.3 (2.8-6.5) and I still have serious Hypo symptoms. My B12 is very high, my D3 was low, but is now improving dramatically. I take selenium and magnesium supplements every day. I had the full adrenal test and they are good. Blood sugars are all normal, and sex hormone is in the middle of the range. I have considered the gluten free approach as I understand gluten mimics the thyroid to some extent and can increase the autoimmune attack. I sacked my last GP and I am seeing a new consultant endocrinologist next month who is a great believer in Armour, so fingers crossed I get somewhere. Thank you for the articles, they make some fascinating reading!

Hi Gordon, I see that your Free T3 levels are at the top of the range. Pooling means having T3 build high in the blood because it’s not getting to your cells—usually due to low cortisol, high cortisol, or low iron. There may be other reasons that Free T3 is just not getting to your cells and you need to find a doctor who will do further testing and explore the different drug treatment options to find what works for you.

You must have your reverse T3 tested. Read these two articles to see how testing reverse T3 is particularly important for people with high Free T3 level readings yet with hypo symptoms.

I had all my tests done and although I have the symptoms you describe all my thyroid levels look great. I am being treated for a different illness that has nothing to do with the thyroid and I feel much better. Just the same I still like to follow this blog and love the feedback from fellow readers.

Hi Peter, Great to hear all your thyroid levels turned out great. I’m even happier to know that you are feeling better thanks to treatment for another illness. Our bodies are all so complex it is important to investigate all the possible sources of our health issues. Best of health to you.

To find the 300M sufferers from thyroid dysfunction worldwide, the 150M who have been diagnosed and adequately treated must work to find the lost 150M. Thyroid disease is a result of genetic and environmental factors – in most cases out of any one individual’s control. Well organized and articulate consumer/patient initiatives like Hypothyroidmom can build the group, the crowd and the constituency that is needed to create adequate interest in thyroid health at federal and international health policy levels. The tools are in your hands. Remember, good health begins six inches below the chin. Disclaimer-Our company devlops and distributes TSH screening products.

When I’m reading through all these symptoms a lot of them ring a bell.
Low blood pressure and heart rate, fatigue, dry skin, cold extremities, dry eyes, sensitivy to light are some of ‘em.
I’m not sure if I’m being hypochondriac or not, but my grandfather had thyroid surgery (don’t know what was wrong with him) and I’m afraid I might have a thyroid problem as well.

Heart disease (heart attacks, high blood pressure etc. ) and Alzheimer’s are also common in the family.

Lizette, absolutely have your thyroid tested. Thyroid conditions run in families. Make sure you have not only your TSH tested but also your Free T4, Free T3, reverse t3 and thyroid antibodies done. I hope that you don’t have this condition but if you do you should know.

In May of 2012, I met Dr. Michael Morris. He was running a weight loss clinic in San Bernardino, CA using T3. I asked him if I was a candidate, I had been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism 10 years earlier and was on a T4 medication. Lab tests, of course, came back normal any yet my hair continued to fall out, I had no energy and I continued to gain weight. On my 50th birthday, I had ballooned to 270 lbs.

Thank God I met Dr. Morris. He put me on a low dose of T3 because I was on three blood pressure medications and my bp was still high. IT WAS A MIRACLE! It dropped my blood pressure CONTRARY TO MEDICATION INSERT INFORMATION. He slowly raised it and I have lost 108 lbs. and I feel better than I have my entire life. I feel 25 but I look in the mirror and see my 50 years. But can you believe that one medication, like T3, can actually solve some of our most chronic conditions like hypertension, hypothyroidism and a host of other ailments the doctor has seen reversed! IT IS AMAZING! I lost over a hundred pounds because of one medication at 50 years old! I take T3 and one bp medication, usually at night now, because the T3 gives me the energy I’ve lacked for so many years,

Lisa, I am so happy you found a doctor who helped you be well! I hope the same for all my readers. It’s amazing the benefits of T3 medication but the sad part is that T4 drugs alone like Synthroid are the gold standard for treatment in mainstream medicine, and many doctors refuse to prescribe T3. I hope to see the day this changes. Thank you for sharing your doctor’s name in case there are readers in your area looking for a great doctor. Thanks!

Hi Lisa!!! That’s such great news & encouragement!! I’m seeing a new DO & starting a brand new program after suffering for years, taking Synthroid & feeling worse & worse.
If I may ask, what t3 has he prescribedfor you that’s working?!.
Prayers for continued great results!!
Leah

Hi, I never realized what a big deal hypothyroid was. I guess I just always connected most of my issues to other things that are wrong with me. I am 24 years old. After I had my son 3.5 years ago I got diagnosed with hypothyroid. Because of the conditions of the diagnosis I denied what was wrong with me and stopped taking my synthroid. Since then I have had bloodwork that said I didn’t have a problem. I just had a baby in September and I have started feeling the symptoms again. I am a type one diabetic first and foremost. I was diagnosed in 2001 and take insulin for that. I have been diagnosed with panic disorder, anxiety, and depression. When I am not nursing I take antidepressants and klonopin. I was diagnosed with the hypothyroid in 2009 or early 2010. Then I was diagnosed with excema and then at the end of 2011 I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. Since I had my daughter in September I have been exhausted, had really dry skin, losing my hair like crazy, tons of anxiety, no drive, irregular bleeding (I was told this could be my thyroid as well). So now I have to do a million and one blood tests to test all my hormones. I just wish it got easier. I am in pain all the time and taking care of myself is a full time job. My husband left me on Christmas eve and I can barely work with my issues alone, but now I have a daughter who was born premature and does not have the physical ability to drink from a bottle. I just want to give up. Having two kids and I shoved into one bedroom at my mom’s house with my alcholic stepfather ruling the roost is just the icing on the cake. I am sure you know…stress only makes the symptoms worse.

Amanda, I am sorry for all that’s happening to you. Your symptoms are all so common for hypothyroidism sufferers you must find a doctor who will do proper thyroid testing on you. Ask your doctor for your lab results and see if your Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies have been tested. If not, insist or find a doctor who will test them. The thyroid antibodies (TPO-Ab and TgAb) are very important because the autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s is the number one cause of hypothyroidism yet it’s rarely tested. People who have one autoimmune condition like Hashimoto’s are more likely to develop others like Type 1 Diabetes. So insist on the right testing. Also there is a great deal of information showing that people suffering from mental health symptoms like depression are low in Free T3 and may benefit from the addition of T3 treatment. Please take a look at these two posts.

Hello,
I have been taking 125 mcg synthroid and 25mcg cytomel now since Feb 13, 2013. I can honestly say I am feeling so much better. I have an endocrine doc that is brilliant and listens to my symptoms in addition to reviewing my lab results. I had an OB/GYN appointment last week and wanted to huge the scale! I had lost 10 lbs! I am now heading back into my workout routine again because frankly I was working out and not getting paid for it since my thyroid wasn’t functioning properly! May is Get Up and Work Out Month with a challenge of working out daily in the morning. I am not a morning exerciser but I am going to attempt it. When I do workout in the morning I feel better but dragging my butt out of bed at 5:30 is not going to be fun.

I have to say I am a bit confused on the list of veggies we should not eat. I was reading The Thyroid Diet Solution and some of those are listed as ones to eat. I have been trying to follow that as well. I have psoriasis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis and I try to stay away from gluten.

Hi Carol, I am so happy you found the thyroid drug combination that works for you. Yes if your thyroid isn’t function properly then you can exercise and diet all you want and struggle with weight because the thyroid controls our metabolism. Mary Shomon wrote these two great articles, one on the goitrogenic foods to avoid and soy. I also recommend Mary Shomon’s book “The Thyroid Diet Revolution”.

Hi John, so happy to have you on Hypothyroid Mom from Lithuania! I love the international community gathering here. The most important question is how do you feel? Do you have common hypothyroid symptoms? or hyperthyroid symptoms (because I notice your TSH is on the low end and your FT3 is near the top of the range)?

You Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO) is less than 28 and the range by your lab is less than 60 although different labs use different ranges based on units of measurement, for example the laboratory where I have my labs done uses a range of <35 IU/mL. Check the units of measurement on your lab results.

The other thyroid antibody test that should be done to rule out Hashimoto's is Thyroglobulin AB (TgAb). Hashimoto's sufferers can have normal anti-TPO but high TgAb and high scores in either one are diagnosis for Hashimoto's. You should also check thyroid antibodies for Graves (hyperthyroidism) TSI.

This article here from Stop the Thyroid Madness talks about how if you have antibody levels that are in the range but near the top of the range, to be cautious and to still explore the different potential underlying issues that are normally related to Hashimoto's, such as testing sex hormone levels (testosterone), vitamin D3, B12, zinc, magnesium and selenium. Since these are often low for thyroid sufferers. Also ask your doctor to test your adrenals with a 24-hour saliva test for cortisol because high or low cortisol levels can cause symptoms similar to hypothyroidism and in fact often times thyroid sufferers also have adrenal problems that need to be resolved. Also gluten has been linked to hypothyroidism especially Hashimoto's so it would be worth it to try a few weeks completely gluten free to see if it helps you feel better.

I have hyperthyroid symptoms and take magnesium supplements only (rapid heart rate, about 90-100) :/ I changed 2 endocrinologists, but they all just saying that I have non-toxic multinodular (3 nodules 3-5mm) goiter, thyroid function is normal and don`t need to take any other supplements…

John, Thyroid nodules can cause hyperthyroidism symptoms. They can also cause hypothyroidism symptoms, and for some people they even cause cycling back and forth between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Goiter is common in people with Hashimoto’s, so it’s important to have your thyroid antibodies tested including TPO-Ab, TgAb and TSI. People with Hashimoto’s often have normal TSH in the early stages yet they suffer thyroid symptoms.

To add to that, even once we’re on thyroid replacement meds and the TSH and even t3 and t4 are in normal range, we still suffer symptoms. I notice improvement as my antibody levels come down, but not a huge difference in they thyroid levels. Both are relevant. Too bad doctors don’t believe it. This disease really needs to be addressed by Rheumatologists like all other autoimmune diseases. I hope medicine realized that before I lose another 10 years of my life to this.

Diagnosed as hypothyroid 22 years ago at the age of 21. My job at a hospital required annual blood work and my total cholesterol was >300, which led to more blood work and my hypo diagnosis. I wasn’t formally diagnosed with hashimoto’s until last year when I started getting hives every day. All allergy testing was negative as was a skin biopsy, they ended up calling it chronic autoimmune urticaria and I take an antihistamine every day. A rheumatologist I saw to rule out lupus diagnosed hashimoto’s based on my ANA levels. I’ve been on anywhere from 125 mcg to 175 mcg over the years, currently on 150. My mother,sister and son are also diagnosed hypo/hashi. Glad I found your site! I don’t do Facebook so I’ll be sure to check back here periodically.

Cindy, I am so happy you found out the source of your problem was Hashimoto’s because unfortunately many people have Hashimoto’s but they don’t know because thyroid antibodies are not often tested. I’ve had several readers contact me with hives as a symptom. Happy to have you on my page!

Just received confirmation today that have hashimotos. I’ve been begging for answers for 6 years to my crazy symptoms. I cried on the phone when my dermatologist read my results (happy to have an answer). She is referring me to an endocrinologist ASAP. I’m really not sure what to ask. I don’t even know my levels at this point. Could use any advice!

HI Christine, I’m sorry that you received your diagnosis of Hashimoto’s but the good news is that now you know the reason for many of your symptoms. First you need to be sure to have proper testing including Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (TPO-Ab and TgAb) and for Graves (TSI). Also you need to know there are multiple drug treatment options that if one isn’t helping you, you know what to discuss with your doctor to find what’s right for you. These two posts below will give you the basics to get you started. Best of luck.

hi i have had grout h bp l bp animia low iron inflamitery of joints heavey monthly cycle weight gain hair fell out went gray at 21 pigments of the skin droped archs carpell tunnel migrains restless leg sdrome lost a lot of vision rapped heart beat constipation sore legs cant stand long soles of feet sore water retention memery loss blotheness weight gain in stomack pins and needles sore throat costant tired or could not sleep at all dirrrea suffered for years depresion these are some of the simptions i have had now i had the pill radiation what willl happen to me will i go back to normal as i dont feel normal for 11 yrs i am so glad i found yr colam i am a health worker and just realized after all the yrs how dangers this is and wondered how many people in ierland have it and dont know thank you wyn

I am sorry for all the symptoms you have experienced. You need to be sure your thyroid has been fully checked including your TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (TPO-Ab and TgAb) and antibodies for Graves (TSI). Feel free to contact me with your lab results and the normal reference ranges. You have many common thyroid symptoms, it sounds like your thyroid condition has not been properly treated.

hello everyone!
my story in short:
always ‘solidly built’, regardless of my hugely active lifestyle &/or amount i exercise. premature gray at 30. eczema, eyes very sensitive to brightness, and headaches 3-4x p/wk. i stopped getting my period after my 1st son was born at 37yo. Ob/Gyn claimed #2 son was “menopause baby!!” really? at 39?? sadly, in fact all of my hormone levels at that point indicated i was post-menopausal.
fast forward 5 years. slowly, over time i felt “weird” – heart was pounding one second, fine the next. i had what i called a “vibration” running through my body. Then one day, i thought i was going to pass out, and was taken to e.r. they thought i was having a pulmonary issue!?! and sent me for a CT scan, which showed 3 large nodules on my thyroid. After connecting with a great endocrinologist, and subsequently a surgeon, bc the nodules were pressing on my larynx making it difficult to swallow. The nodules, along with 1/2 of my thyroid was removed; the ENT doc in NYC wanted to try to keep 1/2, “its always better to have 1/2 thyroid, than no thyroid”. One week-post op, at suture removal, i was told those three words no one wants to ever hear, “you have cancer” . . . i was stunned, words like: “aggressive architecture”. .. more surgery. .. Not Good. the next move, while it seemed to be an obvious one, wasn’t. While one NYC “Top Doc” wanted to remove the other 1/2 “immediately!!!” Second and third opinions with other NYC cancer “top-doc’s” said, ‘not so fast!’
what to do?
well, i did finally decide to remove the remaining 1/2, mainly because, i had 2 young children, i wanted to be here to dance at their weddings, i was scared, and thought:
” I DON’T WANT TO THINK ABOUT THIS ANYMORE!” Take it out.
With the completion thyroidectomy done, after MUCH debate, NO radioactive iodine!
i am on synthroid. Every 4 months i go for bloods /check up with my local endo doc, and 2x per year back to NYC to oncologist. in their eyes, “you’re fine”.
well maybe! but for me . . . not so much! i feel well on higher doses of synthroid, loose weight, energy is up, skin better, mostly, i am able to keep up with my still young sons, and run my business!! Then the dose gets lowered; back to feeling decrepit. which is the only word that seems fitting.
So, my hope is IF youre a young woman who has stopped your period, or has any of the “warning shots” like i did . . . pleassssse go to a great endo! do NOT think it’s normal.
the day my endo found out i had stopped my period at 38 yo he gasped . . . and said,
” frankly, that was the warning shot for your thyroid giving out!”
so please… get checked out!
thanks for reading!

Lori, I am so sorry for all that’s happened to you. Cancer is so scary and I am happy to hear you are well. You are a warrior Lori! Thank you very much for sharing your story. I really mean that. My readers that read your story may have stopped their periods at a young age and many of the other common hypothyroid symptoms, and your story will make them realize how important it is to get full tested. Thank you!

Thanks so much for this blog! It’s so heartening to know that someone so passionate is out there fighting for education on this important issue.

My story is this: My mother was diagnosed hypothyroid about ten years ago. I am certain I, too, have some thyroid issue. Although I am very careful about my eating habits, and I ride my bike every day, I have gained 40 or 50 pounds over the last five years. I know no one will believe this, but I eat no more than 1000 calories a day, but I average around 800 calories a day. Lately, in an attempt to shed some pounds, I have been trying to eat only 400 calories a day. When I tell people this, they almost universally assume I’m lying or that I’m not carefully measuring my food intake.

I am consumed (no pun intended) by thoughts of food all day. How do I find something filling with few calories? Can I make it to my next meal? I fantasize about cake, muffins, chocolate.

My life is miserable.

As a result, I have become depressed. (Or is that a side effect of hypothyroidism?) In addition, I have very irregular periods. I used to have them every 28 days like clockwork. My feet are constantly freezing. Everything thinks I’m crazy for wearing a full coat out in 60 degree weather. For me, I’m not warm until it gets up to at least 80. But then, I don’t have puffy eyes, my hair is in okay condition, and I’m otherwise relatively healthy.

The last time I had my thyroid checked, it was normal. That was five years ago. I haven’t been able to bring myself to go to the doctor since my weight gain because I cannot stand to have the “eat less, exercise more” conversation. I can’t stand the thought of trying to explain to a doctor that I eat so little and for them to snarkily reproach me by suggesting that I weigh every meal on a scale or keep a detailed food journal.

I wish there was someone I could find who would believe me and treat me as a human and not a fat, lazy, bonbon eating cretin.

Your message really hit me. The thyroid gland controls our metabolism. You can diet and exercise and run in circles yet struggle with weight all because of a thyroid condition. Given your mother’s diagnosis please push to find a good doctor who does a thorough thyroid testing. Often times TSH is the only test done but that one test misses so many thyroid sufferers. I am not certain if a thyroid condition is the culprit here but it’s worth investigating further. Comprehensive testing should include at a minimum Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies for Hashimoto’s (TPO-Ab and TgAb). Ideally testing would also include adrenal function, full iron panel including ferritin, sex hormone levels, vitamin B12, D3, magnesium zinc and selenium.

Dr. Kent Holtorf was interviewed by thyroid advocate Mary Shomon about weight loss. Please read all 4 pages of this article where he talks about testing leptin and reverse T3. I mention Reverse T3 because when people are under stress such as with extreme dieting our bodies convert T4 hormone to inactive Reverse T3 instead of the active T3 hormone our bodies need so people will have a high Reverse T3 issue. I worry that eating only 400 calories is so little that it’s causing physical stress on your body that can trigger a thyroid condition. This is why it is so important to push for Reverse T3 testing.

I’m so glad to have found your site! I have a 10 year old son with Trisomy 21 ( aka..Down Syndrome). He has had his thyroid tested every year…as Hypothyroidism is a health concern for them. Some years it’s okay …some it’s not….this year it’s way, way not!

Here’s the story….. our son J. is a very active little boy! No signs of Lethargy here!! Except for mom! LOL! No other signs or symptoms have presented themselves with him either, except for his blood test readings, which we know are not great indicators.
Last November…I noticed that he was getting bald patches. Kept an eye on it and by January decided that it wasn’t just going away. It was getting worse. Went to our family doctor. He ordered another blood test and this time I asked for the TPO antibodies also. I also wanted his zinc/copper ratio tested ( which the lab forgot to do…after they had put my son through torture to draw enough blood for all the tests. He had two black and blue , sore arms for a week!)
Anyways…the tests came back and these were his readings:
TSH….486.93 High reference range…0.20 -6.00 mU/L
Thyroxine Free….4.3 Low reference range…8.0 – 23.0 pmol/L
T3 FREE ….2.6 Low reference range….3.3 – 6.1 pmol/L
TPO Antibody ….16118 High reference range ….150 pmol/L
His Creatinine level was 90 High reference range…30-70 umol/L

His Doctor is wanting to put him on a Pharmaceutical Thyroid drug like synthroid….we would prefer Dessicated Thyroid but our Doc. doesn’t know much about it…such as dosage ect.
We feel that if we don’t figure out what is causing the auto immune system to attack his thyroid…then at best we are just putting a band aid on the thyroid problem! Once the immune system has finished off the thyroid then it will find another area to attack…such as the Kidneys and seeing as our son has only one of those…it is imperative to fix this now! Doctor doesn’t know anything about that either! He pooh-poohed my concern with it! I feel he’s more worried about the monies he’ll miss out on from prescribing the Dessicated Thyroid as he’ll be missing the kick-back he receives from the pharmaceutical company, than he is with the health and well being of my son!

In researching the thyroid medications one of the drawbacks for us is that they can cause cognitive decrease and we have been working so hard for the past five years with a neurodevelopmental program to get his cognitive values up to par with his chronological age. Any decreases at this time are not acceptable!

Also…..my son has speech challenges…and I’m worried that if he is experiencing any side effects from too much or too little of the thyroid medication, will he be able to verbalize what is happening or how he is feeling to me.

We are searching for a Doctor who we can feel confident in…that knows about the Broda Barnes research and thyroid protocols and that we can work with.

If you could possibly help me out in finding a Doctor or Specialist I’d really appreciate it! We live in Alberta, Canada…..Southern part….Calgary down to Border. We can’t travel at this time very far so we need someone close by or someone we can have help us with our Doctor here….being a second consult.

I love how knowledgeable you are about natural desiccated thyroid! You are learning all you can about this condition to be an advocate for your son and I applaud you!!!! Unfortunately mainstream doctors believe Levothyroxine drugs like Synthroid are the gold treatment for hypothyroidism but many of us do not do well on these drugs. Now there are people who do well and they are the ones whose bodies convert the T4 in these drugs to the active T3 our bodies need, but many of us just don’t convert the T4 to T3 as it should.

Now to find a doctor who will prescribe NDT requires searching for a doctor who is open minded about testing and treatment. You are 100% right that you need to address the Hashimoto’s by looking at all the potential underlying issues so you need a doctor with great experience working with hashimoto’s patients. Here are resources to help you find a doctor. Also I will post online communities where parents of hypothyroid children come together and ask questions. Best wishes to you and your son.

Trying to find one of those Doctors who are knowledgeable about such things is like pulling hen’s teeth! I even did a search with the Alberta Physicians and Surgeons site…. lots of names but it wasn’t of much help!

I’ll phone the Pharmacies and see if they will give me some help. Not sure if they can here due to Privacy Act we have! But we have to try anyways.

I called a few Pharmacies to find a doctor. They gave me a few….though I’m not sure what a Psychiatrist would be able to do for my son! Yes…one of the names they gave me was for such a Doctor. Other names they gave didn’t pan out as they don’t take children or children with a genetic anomaly such as Trisomy 21.

So….went back on the internet and joined the adult NTH yahoo group and the children’s one you gave a link to above. Started asking there for a Doctor’s list or someone I could at least call to speak with. Started emailing and calling with some of the suggestions they gave.

After speaking with a few…. the conclusion from all of them was to start on the Synthroid our family Doctor had suggested. It was explained that we needed to get our son’s TSH down and the antibodies…before a total shut down of his thyroid occurred. Mean while we could then keep searching for a Doctor who would be a better fit for us.

So….long story short…..we have started our son on Synthroid last week. He has learned how to swallow a pill now! Yeah! First time in his young life that I don’t have to crush it up and put it in something for him to take. We give the pill at night before bed, so there is no confusion as to when he ate last.

We asked our Doctor to test his Vitamin D3, and some other ones like selenium, Vit. A, and iron panel. Doc. doesn’t think that testing these are important!! Dumbnut! I told him that we wanted a baseline to see if we have to change his dietary supplement that he is on…. which is partly the truth. The other reason was that I know these are important for the Synthroid to be effective.

We’ll see at the end of October what his blood test will reveal. We opted for 90 days instead of the six weeks for this to be done as we don’t want him to be having to get too many needles jabbed into him. The last session was a nightmare for him, and I don’t need for him to be scared of it.

BTW…… the blood test results came in for his zinc to copper ratio. They had to send the blood to another lab for this and it took 2 months for the results to hit our Doctor’s desk. He didn’t call us then to tell us the results! I have no idea if they are optimum or not….hoping you might know . Here are the results….
copper value: 16.3 references: 11-28 umol/L
zinc value: 12.5 references: 8.0-20.0 umol/L

We’ll see what happens with Synthroid for the time being. So far…I haven’t noticed any changes in him…but his hair has started to grow back in , in July. Guess raw onion juice does work! LOL!

I’m happy you’ve started on a treatment path for your son. There are two great books on Hashimoto’s full of information on dietary and supplement recommendations to lower thyroid antibodies. Best wishes to your son.

Hi- I’m American and live in France. I found your website because we’re trying for our 3rd baby and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s hypothyroid after my second baby was born. Like you, I now believe that my thyroid problems started long before I was diagnosed. Thank you for your website!
Christina

Your TSH at 5.6 is high and would explain if you still suffer symptoms. I don’t personally feel well with a TSH that high. So the first thing to try is speaking with your doctor about your dosage to get your TSH lower. The other tests that would be helpful to have done are Free T4, Free T3, and thyroid antibodies at a very minimum. For many of us our bodies don’t convert the T4 hormone in Synthroid to the active T3 hormone the cells of our body. In our case we benefit from adding T3 medication to our treatment. Ideally testing would include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies, Adrenals, Ferritin and D3 but if you could get those three I mentioned then you would be better off than TSH alone to give you a fuller picture.

I am 37 and was diagnosed with Hashimotos in 2008. I have been taking Synthroid, prior to that I took Levoxyl and Levothyroxine. I have been taking it each day since I was diagnosed. I have been having a multitude of symptoms. I am severely exhausted, need to take naps frequently, and never feel fully rested. I have mild sleep apnea and sleep with the mask and still feel need to take naps. I also have elevated inflammatory markers, my ANA is positive with a titer of 1:1280. My sed rate is elevated and c reactive protein as well. I also have dropped my absolute lympocytes count. I have been to two rhematologists, the last one dismissed me and said my elevated levels are nothing to be concerned about and my high ANA titer is due to Hashimotos. My endocronologist who is awesome said she does not agree, my levels are within normal range and said that the ANA titer was quite impressive. My regular doctor said the same thing. I have been having a multitude of symptoms as well. Raynauds, swollen fingers and hands, so painful. I have had pluerisy several times no one can tell me why. I have been getting weird rashes, and I get a rash on my face similar to a malar rash. I have extreme heat intolerance. I sweat profusely even not really doing anything. I am a teacher started working and I literally was dripping sweat and I was in an air conditioned classroom. I have heard you can get other autoimmune diseases once you have one. I just want to get some relief. I firmly believe I am at the begining stages of a mixed connective tissue disease because I have symptoms of both lupus and RA. Its so frustrating. I dont feel good and its not fun. I love your blog and follow you on Facebook. Thanks

So happy you commented here. Love having my Twitter and Facebook followers at Hypothyroid Mom. The first step is to know there are other thyroid drug treatment options. Levothyroxine drugs like Synthroid and Levoxyl all have just T4 thyroid hormone in them. Our bodies are expected to convert that T4 hormone into the active T3 hormone our bodies actually need but for so many of us myself included our bodies don’t properly convert it and we are left with symptoms because our T3 hormones are too low. So testing should including not just TSH but also Free T4, Free, T3, and Reverse T3. You may be like many of us that need T3 medication in addition to T4 to feel better. This can be done by adding T3 meds like Cytomel together with Levothyroxine, or a complete switch to natural desiccated thyroid. Speak with your doctor about this or find a doctor who will explore these drugs to find what’s right for you.

Equally important is looking at the whole body to figure out what were the triggers for you that caused your autoimmune to go wrong in the first place. Triggers to investigate include food intolerances (by the way I’ve had readers go gluten free and their thyroid antibodies reduced to normal), sex hormone imbalances, adrenal dysfunction (best test is saliva test for cortisol levels), poor iron (get a full iron panel including ferritin), nutrient deficiencies especially get tested your D3, B12, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, blood sugar imbalances, stress, heavy metal toxicity, poor digestive health (some benefit from probiotics and digestive enzymes for example. There is a great book that goes over the lifestyle changes for Hashimoto’s written by Dr. Izabella Wentz.

So happy to have you on my site. Be sure to check out my Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page. Have you had your thyroid antibodies tested for Hashimoto’s? I ask because there is considerable amount written about the connection between PCOS and Hashimoto’s. Hashimoto’s is considered the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the US yet thyroid antibodies are not often tested. The two tests you need done: Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies & Thyroglobulin Antibodies.

Me! These symptoms you have described are ME!! Right down to the painful feet in the morning! It’s getting worse! I have been on Armour for about 4 years now, and at first it was helping, now my symptoms have returned! I’m so sad! I just want to get back to my normal life! I’ve spent thousands…. can’t do it anymore! I have a family-children-husband! I WANT MY LIFE BACK!

I’m so happy you found my article. Please please get a copy of your lab results and check what tests have been run. Testing should include Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Antibodies, adrenals, full iron panel including ferritin, and D3 at a minimum. I take a natural desiccated thyroid called Nature-throid. I only feel well when my Free T3 is optimal, my adrenals and iron and D3 are optimal too. They all play a very important role in thyroid health. The best test for adrenals is saliva test for cortisol levels.

I was diagnosed with Hashis three months ago. I have suffered from depression since I was a teenager. I have been on antidepressants since I was 16. After I had my last child in October, I struggled to breastfeed, get up and care for him, care for myself, or even care for my other three children. I did not know what was wrong. My regular physician just said it was normal for the first few months. My psychiatrist just put me on new medications to help with my antidepressants. I started to have unexplained pain in my shoulders and was told to go to physical therapy. It was almost 6 months before my doctor decided to test my thyroid. She told me I had Graves and put me on medication to stop my thyroid production. A month later she rechecked it and my levels were so low that they were almost nonexistant. She saud I should see a specialist, but the closest one is over 200 miles away and we could not afford the time off work, to travel, or the doctor visit. My mom offered to pay for me to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor where she lives. The first time I saw him, he could not figure out why I was told I had Graves. He did an ultrasound and a full blood workup. He diagnosed me with Hashis and started me on
levothyroxcine. I am not able to follow up with that doctor because of financial ressons. I do not have insurance and can’t afford to travel. I feel so alone in this because no one really understands how it feels to not have the energy to get up and play with my kids, or how taking a shower and getting dressed wears you out. It has taken a huge toll on my marriage. I just don’t want to feel alone anymore.

I am sorry to hear all you are going through. It is so hard to explain to people how you feel with this condition unless they’ve walked in your shoes they can’t understand. On the outside you look fine but inside you struggle to make it through the day. The first step is finding a doctor who will do all the right tests and who is open to exploring thyroid medications besides Levothyroxine. This is the main drug prescribed but it doesn’t work for all of us.

I am sorry to hear all you are going through. It is so hard to explain to people how you feel with this condition unless they’ve walked in your shoes they can’t understand. On the outside you look fine but inside you struggle to make it through the day. The first step is finding a doctor who will do all the right tests and who is open to exploring thyroid medications besides Levothyroxine. This is the main drug prescribed but it doesn’t work for all of us.

I started out with a lump,and depression felt like I couldn’t control anything in my life.I had surgery to remove half of the thyroid and felt great started to feel normal again.Only to be told it was cancerous and the rest had to be removed.After the second surgery I started to gain weight and noticed pains,then the awful swelling,the Dr. who did the surgery seemed to not care at all.One of his nurses remarked were gonna make you hypothyroid and laughed as she walked.He left the area and now Ive been treated by my family Dr.who also is doing nothing to help,I feel cheated I went to them for help at 140 now im closer to 240.I am tired and very achy but I keep going trying as hard as I can to be active as I have a young daughter and I am a single parent. I don’t know where to go to get the right treatment or at least inform my primary what way Id like to pursue. Any good advice you have might just help thanks …………………………………………………………..Julie a real working mom

I’m so upset what happened to you. That nurse who laughed who said you would be hypothyroid was so cruel. She doesn’t know how hard it is to have hypothyroidism. From your symptoms you are not being treated optimally. I imagine you are on a Levothyroxine drug like Synthroid. While that is the number one drug prescribed it doesn’t work for many of us and you need a doctor who will explore the drug options to find what’s right for you or find a doctor who will!!

Hi Dana
I am so glad that I have found your page.I will give you my story , I was first diagnosed with under active thyroid and put on medication and was having blood tests every 3 mths. In this time frame I miscarried 6 times and was lucky enough to carry 2 more to term but due to hormone imbalance was induced each time followed by c sections in each case also didn’t produce milk which sent me in a major depression. I then continued to have bleeding problems and doses of thyroid medication changes until I finally had no option but to have a hysterectomy. I have had continued kidney infections and have had my gall blabber removed. Last September my thyroid went from under to so far over that it was too high to record, so of course have been removed from the thyroxine but thyroid levels are still way too high. I also suffer from migraines and have done since the hysterectomy that have me bed ridden for 2-3 days at least twice a mth. After reading everyone’s stories I realize that my symptoms are not in my head only, that they are real. I am in a small state in Aust and am seeing the only special ist in my area. I have suffer from depression due to the many medical issues that I have and felt very alone until I found your page. I feel like I cant honestly answer the question how are you because I have a list of ongoing problems. Thank you for your time it has been great to finally say how I feel.

I’m sorry to hear all you’ve been through. It’s tragic what happens to us with this condition. It’s hard for other people to understand this if they haven’t walked in our shoes. Even the medical community does not realize all the potential health problems that stem from hypothyroidism. I hope you know now that you are not alone. If you are on Facebook join me over at the Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page. You’ll be amazed by the thousand visiting there every week. You will know for certain that you are not alone there.

They won’t listen to me!!!!!!!!! I am now going to the 4th endocrinologist and the second natural path Dr. No one is taking my symptoms seriously. Thyroid function labs come back normal although I have 11 hypo symptoms. I guess I keep going until one of them listen to me. One Dr says possibly autoimmune-hashimotos. What can I say or do to get them to do the correct labs?

Push push push even if it means seeing 10 different doctors to get the right tests that should include at a very minimum Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, Thyroglobulin Antibodies, adrenals, full iron panel and D3.

I have had my thyroid removed 9 yrs agon for nodules on my goiter. Since having my son 2 yrs ago who was 6 wks prem due to me suffering with Pre eclampsia which was undetected. I have suffered with an endless of Hypo symtons and when I recently had my bloods done I had ran out of thyroid replacement which i normallly take 175mcg per day and had taken 1 dose in the 2 weeks prior to my bloods being taken. However my bloods said my TSH showed signe of me being over active not under, surely the fact that I hadnt had any replacement for the 2 weeks before hand shows there is infact an issue and withe the endless list of symptons i am suffereing with weight gain, hair loss, shakes, pins & needles, exhauistion, excessive bruising,, just to menttion a few. This would point to my body no longer converting the T4 to T3

TSH does not give a full picture of your thyroid health. Testing should include at a minimum Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, thyroid antibodies, adrenals, full iron panel and D3. What is considered “normal” TSH is also very broad. Get a copy of your lab results and check your score relative to the normal range listed to the right. What is normal may not be optimal for you especially with those common hypothyroidism symptoms you are describing.

Thanks Dana,
I am struggling on a day to day basis for energy and have been signed off from work , referred to a specialists but have to wait 7weeks to see him … Out of 111 symptoms listed on the uk thyroid site got hypothyroidism I am suffering with btwn 70-80 symptons and yet my go still does not feel there is any urgency to refer me and instead has requested my fasting bloods sugars and not the full thyroid function test I required … I feel as though I am banging my head against a brick wall the gp admitted they only have a general medical knowledge re thyroid …. And I know that the only way I will see a specialist any sooner will be by being forced to pay privately.
I have told my gp that my body is obviously no longer converting T4 to T3 or my receptors are functioning properly .
Also I mentioned having preeclampsia, as it was undetected so was quite severe and I was administered magnesium sulfate to prevent eclampsia…. Could this have an affect on why my function is no longer working

Welcome to Hypothyroid Mom. I just followed you on Twitter since I saw that you listed your Twitter name. Preeclampsia is a possible symptom of hypothyroidism so it may be that your thyroid condition was present at that time and caused your preeclampsia. I imagine you do not know if you had a low thyroid at that time so there is no way to know for certain however the American Thyroid Association has actually listed preeclampsia as a danger in pregnancy for hypothyroid women.

I know that the Thyroid UK site includes a list of private doctors should you wish to pursue that route. Thyroid advocate Mary Shomon includes a list of recommended thyroid doctors in the UK. I’m not sure if they are nearby or driving distance to you.

I have been suffering from hypothyroidism for over 1 year now and ever since being diagnosed, my whole world has turned upside down. After reading deeply into it, I had no idea that the thyroid affected so many other body functions. I have noticed that I have become very agitated and my hair has become weak and frail and I have gained weight. I have never been this heavy in my life. I am on medication, which I need to take daily I am so depressed and worried about my health. Please help.

Hi Dee, There is hope to be well again. It’s about learning all you can about this condition and being sure you’ve had all the right tests and that you’ve explored all the right treatments. Here are the 3 articles from my blog you should read to give you the basics.

Hi. I’m so glad I found this site! I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease 10 yrs ago but was told I didn’t need meds. After the birth of my daughter five yrs ago, I became hypo and was put on 175 mcg of synthroid. One year ago, I started getting very sick. Not one doctor could figure it out.
I finally sought out a functional medicine doctor and had several tests done. Turns out I have Lyme disease. Shortly after that dx, I was told I have nodules that need biopsys. My thyroid throbbed all day. Results were neg but told I have hashimotos. Live recently been dx with celiac disease, glaucoma, and several other ailments.

New lab work came back today. My thyroglobulin level is 401. My dr said she is very alarmed and to get retested in a month. Meanwhile, my thyroid is throbbing again. I’ve read that chronic Lyme disease can wreak havoc on the thyroid.

Hi Jennifer, I apologize for the delay in responding. Over the months of December and January I’ve had close to 4 million people weekly on my site and Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page. It has been a struggle to get to everyone’s questions. So how did your thyroglobulin retesting go and what recommendations did your doctor have for you?

Dana,
I’m so happy to have found your site. I’m a congenital hypothyroid patient. It’s only become an issue over the past few years when my PCP refused to refer me to an endocrinologist. I fired her and got a new one who is just as bad and dismissed my complaint of a year+ of back and neck pain, thinking I was fishing for pain killers (I want a solution, not drugs!). Despite living in the Boston area, it’s really hard to find a doctor who knows how to treat the condition well. They all say they do, but then only test TSH and T4, and refuse to consider anything but Levothyroxine. Managing my own condition has become really tiring, and after having it since birth, at 35 I’ve been reading medical journals for a lot longer than some of the doctors I’ve met. *sigh*

Thanks for collecting such great resources and putting in so much time.
Leslie

P.S. It was only after having my appendix out in April that I learned that it’s not normal to have a bowel movement once a week, so although I laughed at the embarrassment in the “Constipation” article…yeah, that. No one tells you about that!

I wish that every doctor did the right thyroid tests and was open to all the thyroid drug options. Sadly that is not the case as you’ve discovered. I put together resources to help readers locate good doctors in their area. P.S. yes I too once thought that a bowel movement every 5-10 days was normal and now I know it’s NOT.

I am a sufferer of synthroid. endo refused to test my t3 and reverse t3 and told me he as never tested for those in all his years of practice and t3’s tell him nothing he only will test for tsp and free t4 so he said if i didn’t like the way he practiced then i was more then welcome to find a new dr.. also said armor doesn’t work on any of his patients like the synthroid does. so guess what I’m looking for a new dr!! thanks for all your helpful info and i absolutely love the 300 symptoms that is the best info I’ve seen ! i just signed the petition last night and thanks again for al you have done to get awareness out there on this under looked condition.

wow Julie it’s upsetting to hear about doctors like this. Let me tell you that I hit rock bottom where I couldn’t get out of bed to take care of my child, then I found a great doctor who literally changed my life. She tested my Free T4, Free T3, and Reverse T3 and discovered I was in need of a combo of T4 and T3 meds which changed my life. There are good doctors out there worth search for. Here are resources to help you locate one.

Best of luck Anna. Love your positive attitude. Yes you will get better! I am living proof it’s possible. The group ThyroidChange has a Facebook group for thyroid sufferers internationally looking for good doctors. Worth it go there and see if there are any good doctors for Denmark.

Hi Dana.
My daughter (10 years old) has hypothyroidism (hashimotos). Her story is a very interesting and heart breaking one. I had a lot of problems with my pregnancy with her and she ended up having to be taken by C-section at 30 weeks do to multiple problems, which included low amniotic fluid, cord constriction and severe IUGR. She was born weighing 2lbs as she had stopped growing at 25 weeks. She did have a long stay in the NICU born June 27th and coming home August 18th. Only to go back in after 2 weeks home for surgery that ended up not going so well and she ended up on life support. Well after that ordeal was over and we were home we knew life would never be the same for our little family, we now had a beautiful yet petite baby to care for and we had to be confined to our home due to how easily she could catch viruses. We however had multiple appointments to attend weekly that got us out here and there but I would hide her under a blanket because people would always want to touch her due to her size (she was 3lbs 14ozs when she came home). Anyways through all of this and all of the doctors we saw she was not yet diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It wasn’t until she became a toddler that we started noticing other things that were concerning to us. She would cry in pain that her hands and feet would have pins and needles (they were falling asleep) she would stomp on the floor to try and wake her feet and clap her hands to wake up her hands. For this the doctors thought she had a circulation problem and we went for many heart test and nothing was found. She also suffered from severe constipation. To the point where she would get impacted and have to have her stool removed at hospital. For this the doctors thought it was due to her prematurity and the fact that she was using her bowels before her body was suppose too…she also had crystals in her bowels in the NICU. She also slept a lot but that didn’t seem unusual considering she was still a toddler and very little (at one year of age she weighed a mere 12lbs, still at 10 years she weighs only 55lbs). She also suffered from anxiety and OCD type behaviour. At this time we reached out to child therapists who thought it was due to her early birth and all the trauma she had been through with needles, surgery, hospital stays, getting sick a lot and when she did she got knocked down hard. I don’t remember what pushed me to finally go to our family doctor alone and beg with her that I felt we were missing something with our daughter that I as a mom felt there was something else going on. This finally after all the test we had gone for prompted our doctor to say well lets start over and do a complete blood work up. From this blood work she discovered that our daughter had hypotyriodism. The doctor said that her tsh levels were so high that if a adult had levels that high they would have been like the walking dead!!! This broke my heart to pieces, knowing that my daughter had been feeling this way for 3 years but she really knew no different. She was then sent to our NICU pedriatrican and started on synthyroid. She had a bone age test done and it is all good. Here in Ontario Canada it is standard to test kids at birth for thyroid issues so whether due to our daughters traumatic early birth it was missed or misplaced we will never know. I have been told by doctors that she would have had it at birth because it is rare that a child would develop it in the first years of life. She has not been without problems since being diagnosed and the anxiety problem has only just got better in the last year. I have approached her doctors about the anxiety being related to her thyroid but they don’t think there is a connection. But research I have done says there can be a link. We still see her NICU ped on a yearly basis and they check her bone age yearly. We try and watch for signs that her medication needs to be adjusted since she is still young and may not recognize the signs. For example at the start of this past summer we noticed she was sleeping in a lot longer (which for most parents they may just consider the fact that their child is moving into the tween age and they do tend to sleep more) but for us we insist that she have her levels tested and to no surprise they were off and her meds needed to be adjusted. I still don’t 100% understand the relation between tsh, t4 and t3 levels and why sometimes if one is high but the others are still in the high but normal range they wait to do anything. I try to do my research and I now know the importance of being your own advocate when it comes to your own health or the health of a loved one. If you feel in your heart that something is not right fight for the tests to be done!

I had tears in my eyes reading your daughter’s story. I am sorry to hear all she’s been through. I’ve heard from several parents with children with hypothyroidism that was missed and suffering classic symptoms that everyone including doctors overlooked it is absolutely heartbreaking. On Monday February 10 I have a mother with a child with congenital hypothyroidism and autism sharing her story on my blog that is a story that is absolutely unforgettable. Be sure to come back and read it on Monday.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 18 years ago. My life has been up and down since.Mood swings – post-partum to severe depression – a few people said sometimes they think I can be bi-polar. Gall-bladder removed, tired, hyper, sleepy, lots of hair loss now and again, changing meds and changing dosage, keep checking hormone levels. I am now on thyroid med from a comound pharmacya nd feel better but do however still get those mood swings before my period (about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks before).? I did not like synthyroid nor levothyroxin. Another issues with my thyroid is that apparently it is not my actual thyroid it is the antibodies around my thyroid that fight my thyroid producing the iodine. Yeah! That was explained to me when I lived in Greece and the initial diagnosis was given. What I liked about the doctor in Greece was that he checked my thyroid monthly -blood work AND ultrasounds to measure the anit-bodies and or thyroid. Since moving back to Toronto that has never been done. Only blood work…. So much to learn and know still…… Would love more answers and help…..

Hi Christin, you should read a great book by Dr. Izabella Wentz on treating elevated thyroid antibodies. I assume you mean elevated Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies or Thyroglobulin Antibodies that are present in Hashimoto’s disease:

It’s like you just read my health biography. Even though there is much I have changed nutritionally I am still suffering from fatigue, anemia, raised antibodies, adrenal fatigue, anxiety & just recently another miscarriage. I had my first 2 normal tests on a full thyroid panel. Help!

Hi Genesa, there are a few things to consider. First, if you are on a Levothyroxine drug like Synthroid that may be the issue. Many of us do better on a combination of T4 and T4 treatment. Here is more on this:

Low iron and poor adrenal function are two common issues for thyroid sufferers that need to be resolved. I assume your doctor is treating you for this.

As for elevated antibodies, I assume you mean antibodies for Hashimoto’s. There is a great book by Dr. Wentz on treating antibodies. One major thing to consider is trying gluten-free to see if it helps you, as there is much written about the connection between gluten and Hashimoto’s:

I was dignosed with hypothyriodism when I was 10. I am now 46 I have struggled with this disease it seems my whole life. Weight gain, memory loss, dry skin, stunted growth the list goes on. I feel I will never feel right, I have told myself to just live with it its your disease and you can’t do anything about. I have be taking the hightest dose of levothiroxine for 20 yrs. I’m begining to think my body has gotten immue to it. Is there anything out there I can try instead I’m tired with just living with this disease I want to feel better.

Lithuania Thyroid Community, so happy you started a site for your community in Lithuania. So happy to hear this. I will share your Facebook page on my Hypothyroid Mom Facebook page. It’s scheduled to go up tomorrow (February 11) at 2:00PM EST.

Im 38 yrs old and had symptoms since I was 16. From 16 on all Ive been told is my thyroid tested fine and that Im depressed. Been put on antidepressants, seen specialist after specialist, again and again. I was finally told in 2009 that I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I refused to believe this as I feel its what they say when they cant figure out whats wrong with you.I actually got up to 352 lbs by age 34. It was then that I decided maybe it was my weight making me so tired and cloudy minded. So I went so far as to have gastric bypass. This was Dec. 2009. I have since lost up to 180lbs. and STILL feel just as tired as ever. In 2011 a doctor finally told me my thyroid was low and put me on Levothyroxine. I still feel the same as I always have. I have had NO quality of life, EVER! I cant go to college like Ive always wanted to, Ive never been the kind of wife or mother Ive wanted to be because Im just too tired all the time. My entire adult life has been at a stand still and only getting worse. Ive tried to explain to doctors that I AM NOT depressed. Im NOT a depressed type person. I am typically positive despite everything Ive been through. The only way I can explain it to them is by telling them “Im not tired because Im depressed, BUT DEPRESSED because Im tired”. I said that to a Dr. one time and she actually said to me, “well you know, its like which came first, the chicken or the egg, same thing” needless to say I left the Drs. office crying that day. About 3 months ago the Dr. told me my thyroid is getting worse and upped my levo to 50mcg. No difference at all and to top it off, I have gained about 25lbs back in the last 3 months and its impossible for me to lose. Im afraid of becoming severely over weight again. I am anemic, have low hemoglobin, had numerous blood transfusions, my body constantly hurts, exercise exhausts me, I cant remember things to save my life and many, many more symptoms. I read over the list of 300 symptoms and Ive got approximately 75% of them. Im still holding out hope that I can be “fixed and normal” someday. Im wondering if its been my thyroid all along and just never tested correctly? Im really glad I found your site. I do feel like I have some hope now and that I can someday have a normal life! My next step is ANOTHER new Dr. and insisting on further testing. Thank you for your help and your site! ~Erin C. Pittsburgh PA.

Erin, I’m sorry all you’ve been through. You can’t imagine how many readers have contacted me about diagnosis of mental health issues and then turned out it was their thyroid. You’re right your next step is finding a good doctor who will do all the right tests and consider all the thyroid drug options to find what’s right for you. If you watch the video at the end of this article that I’ll attach below Dr. Kent Holtorf states that T3 medication is a more powerful antidepressant than antidepressants. Your Levothyroxine contains T4 hormone only. Many of us do better on a combo of T4 and T3 meds.

I live in Ontario, Canada. I’m one of those who falls within the medical range and therefore cannot get treatment. Even T3/T4 come out normal. Yet I have so many of the symptons. Have found that Naturopathic Doctors listen and treat. I tried Kelp but it wasn’t enough. I’m on a tincture called Phytothyro by St. Francis. Feel great. Cost is $12-$18 cdn for 3 mth supply depending on where you go. And it’s all natural, organic and non-GMO. After just 2 weeks, my energy is back and I feel great. Not even tired in the morning.

Another great product, easy to get, but more costly is Iodoral. Both of these are great products.

Hi G Albers, happy you found what works for you. Be sure to have your thyroid levels retested now that you’ve been on iodine products. I’ve heard from readers who got worse by over-consumption of iodine. Iodine levels can be tested to determine if there is deficiency. You mention normal lab levels. Be sure to get a copy of your lab results and make sure these recommended tests are done and that your scores are optimal not just normal. There is a big difference. Here is the list:

Honestly I dont comment on blogs but I had to thank you for your writing. I had developed a sour taste in my mouth for Doctors over the years. I was sick of being told that what I was feeling was just normal, or due to stress. I was told to relax and things should level out. So I spent all of my 20’s with hair loss and vairous other things hoping it would level out. After I hit my 30’s and I had 2 children I started to feel worse about 2/3’s of the things you mentioned I was feeling on a daily basis. I knew my body wasnt functioning well, but I was then told Its just post baby and wait it out. meanwhile I was getting worse! I did my own research and kept coming back to hypothyroid issues. I was finally refered to a wonderful nurse practitioner who said “you know your body, lets run some tests” FINALLY!! Turns out I had pretty bad numbers. She suggested the medication you listed, and although it helped I still feel crappy most days. I thought I needed to give my body time to adjust to the medication, but Im going to go in a nd chat with her to see what other options I have. Thank you again for putting into words what Ive felt for 15 years, and getting it out for other ladies to be aware!

Hi Nicole, thank you for commenting on my blog. I have no doubt many feel as you do about a lifetime of symptoms without relief. We’re all different in terms of which treatment is right for us. If you are not feeling well on your treatment it may be a dosage issue or it may be the wrong medication for you. If you are on a Levothyroxine drug like Synthroid that may be the issue. Many of us do better on a combination of T4 and T3. Here is a description of this:

hi, so pleased I found this site, I have Graves disease, diagnosed about 8 years ago, I have had my thyroid surgically removed, since then my health has been all over the place. I take 100mcg Eltroxin tabs (Lev.) daily. I have irritable bowel, think I’m very gluten intorerate, try very hard to stick to a diet…have breathing problems, they say its asthma. hair thinning, nails yukky etc etc. Also have thyroid eye disease which started as soon as I had my thyroid removed. Has settled done quite a bit since it started, double vision, dry eye etc etc, have prisms on my glasses now which helps. But I wish my health would be better, my immune system is zero, I pick up everything that is going around, almost too scared to go out now. Can you suggest any supplements to take as well, I live in New Zealand, I have a good general doctor but don’t really know if he understands thyroid problems as such. Look forward to your reply x

Hi Gaye, We’re all different in terms of which treatment is right for us. Your Eltroxin medication contains T4 hormone only. Many of us do better on a combination of T4 and T3. Here is a description of this:

Try calling all the compounding pharmacies near you and ask for the names of doctors who prescribe compounded natural desiccated thyroid. Doctors who prescribe these types of drugs tend to be more open minded about thyroid testing and treatment.

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in 1999…started gaining weight, feeling tired so was put on Levo@ 25mcg. Stayed on the same dose a medication for quite sometime. Had my son in 2001 symptoms were still there but stronger. I was told that with the changes from pregnancy that this was normal. I went several years and felt the same horrible. I had lost my job and lost my insurance and with a small child I couldn’t afford my medicine so I quite taking it for several year. In 2005 had my daughter and my levels were within normal limits. After 9 months I quit nursing due to working different hours and my body couldn’t keep up. Went back to the doctor and had my levels ran and was started back on meds. This roller coaster ride lasted for several years my GP told me that is was hypothyroidism and is common no need to see a specialist for this. So in 2010 I found a Hugh lump by my thyroid gland. Had a scan and there were 3 more and I was diagnosed with Hashimoto disease. Still no need to see a specialist was told. Next year comes have another scan there are 5 masses and I’m having trouble swallowing, eating, laying flat. So I ask for a biopsy just to make sure nothing was wrong. So had biopsy done after fighting with the doctor for the biopsy because I was told again it was not needed. Well 10 days later I get the call and it is Thyroid Cancer. Now my GP is scrambling to send me somewhere because it’s Cancer and this is not his field my in my opinion neither was thyroid issues!!!! So I was sent to specialist have my thyroid totally removed after debate or if it was or wasn’t cancer. So again told my family it was cancer have the surgery and it was not surgery so only had 1/2 removed. Then go for my week checkup and low and behold it is cancer so get scheduled to have the rest of the cancer out and have tell my family again it was cancer. Have the second part of the thyroid out and have complications with the second one. Could not talk. This went on for a couple months. So now I have no thyroid on Synthyroid 150 and still feel awful:( called them and was told they would see me in a year! A year I just had cancer but they don’t want to see me for a year. Not even given new lab orders nothing. My hair is still falling out, fatigue, dry skin, dry eyes, mood swings. I’m just really sick of this. Had back surgery 7 months before I was diagnosed with Cancer so not being able to do the stuff I did before puts a damper on my weight as well, I can’t loose no matter what I do, I’m really annoyed and would really like help.

Michelle, I am sorry all you’ve been through. Your story shows so clearly how little awareness and attention there is to thyroid diseases in the medical community. Prayers for you for your recovery. Synthroid is the main drug prescribed for hypothyroidism but it does NOT work for all of us. For many of us we do better on a combination of T4 and T3 treatment. Here is a description:

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism 5 years ago. Before I was diagnosed my life really started to deteriorate. I was suffering from awful depression, my boyfriend at the time thought I was mental, I was getting fatter and my hair was falling out. With the diagnosis came the misconception that I would suddenly be thin and fantastic again, this didn’t happen. I ended up losing my boyfriend, and along with him my business, my home and my dog.

This was in 2009. from reading up on the disease I thought that I should be having quarterly blood tests, special monitoring through my pregnancy (I had a baby in 2011)…NONE OF THIS HAS HAPPENED. the last time I had a thyroid function test was probably a year ago. my medication never gets checked. I have been on 75mg thyroxine since my diagnosis. I now way 14 stone, when I did weigh 9, and I feel sick every single day.

what on earth can I do? I have tried everything. I was a vegetarian for 17 years. stopped, ate meat and everything for 4 years. that didn’t help so I am now vegetarian again. I have stopped smoking. I hardly drink and I don’t take drugs. I am actually fairly healthy, but I look like an obese lazy blob of a woman and really there seems to be NOTHING I can do about it!

I am joined to the gym. I go swimming and take yoga classes. I cant do anything high impact as my joints hurt too much. no doubt another thyroid related issue. But even in yoga class I sweat profusely, I have started to chafe in my groin and under my breasts from a combination of constant sweat and fatness. quite honestly I am a mess. and I used to be beautiful.

I just found this site and I adore it! I was diagnosed hypothyroid 20 years ago when I was 7 years old. It’s been a struggle and I’ve done my share of medications and proper dieting etc. I have a wonderful and energetic 5 year old son. It’s wonderful to see that there are so many others out there!!! Thanks for all the info and support – it’s wonderful to see the net being used to do much more than looking at pictures of dancing cats!!!!

I’ve been hypothyroid for 20plus years and my DD was diagnosed about 4 years ago as being hypothyroid after years of fighting to get someone to see that she was. The frustrating thing is that two pediatric specialists in the last 2 years have told me she’s not hypothyroid because her numbers are within normal range (taken while she’s on medication). When you take her off thyroid medication she suffers terribly. She has all of the symptoms and also suffers from PCOS. The most recent doctor at a major university won’t treat her with Naturethyroid because she says it’s dangerous. I can’t deal with synthetic thyroid neither can she. Thankfully have an endo doc who will work with us, I wanted the university doc to see her more for the PCOS as it’s hard to get help with that for pediatric cases. We have just started DD on a gluten free diet to see if that will help her. This site has been very helpful for information. It’s always nice to know there are others out there who are dealing with similar issues.

Hi Dana!
I’ve had so many of these symptoms since I was little [I’m 27 now], and even after going to so many doctors, the Children’s hospital, ect., not one single doctor could ever figure out what was wrong with me. When I was 15, I started going to a gynecologist for all of the problems I was having with my period, and the doctor I saw was the one that found out that I have hypothyroidism. My long, thick hair was falling out, my depression was terrible, my joints ached more than they should have, and I’ve always been overweight. When I read your post about the 300+ hypothyroid symptoms, I couldn’t believe I had so many more than I knew about. It’s hard to believe that one disease can affect so many things. Back to what I was sayin….Not knowing anything about it or the medicine I was being put on, she wrote me a prescription for Synthroid. I took it every single day as I was supposed to waiting and praying for some relief from how awful I felt and she also told me it should help me lose some weight, so that was another plus to me. A couple of years ago, I was so sick and tired of taking something every single day of my life that did nothing. I still felt too tired to do normal daily activities or chores, I found myself say, “Gosh I’m so tired” or “I really need a nap or 12″ more times than I care to admit. I was still having pain with my thyroid, and nothing was getting better. So why should I take this medicine that’s “supposed” to help, but in my opinion it was supposed to keep me quiet like it was helping. I’m still searching for a thyroid specialist in my area that will help me. I cannot tell you how ready I am for relief from everything that goes along with having hypothyroidism. Folks think I’m crazy because oddly enough, not many people know about this, and that’s kinda sad when it affects so many people. But seeing all of the comments here and on your Facebook page, it helps me to know that I’m not crazy, I am sick, and that thankfully, I am not alone with this, and it will get better somehow. Thank you for all you’ve done for those of us that do suffer with hypothyroidism along with other things, and for helping spread the word so that others may find a way to overcome it. God bless you! ♥

In January 2010, I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. I had found a knot pokeing out of my neck at the end of November 2009, but was in my final stages of earning a Bachelor of Fine Art. So, I waited until the new year and last school semester and talked to my friend that is an Ear, Nose and Throat Physician. He examined me and had an ultrasound, immediately!I always go into a situation with a positive attitude and lots of prayer. When they were aspirating blood for the ultrasound, the physician missed or poked another vein and I started bleeding, therefore, he had to get on top of me and the table and press on the area for about 30 minutes. I didn’t say much about the incident, just wanted to know results.They found three malignant tumors and they were separating in order to form more. In other words, the cancer was spreading. I was sent to a surgeon and in the middle of March during a school break, I had the surgery. They found a mess in there, according to the surgeon AND Hashimoto’s disease. He ask me what happened during the ultra-sound and he there was alot of scar tissue that was causing problems, also. I had been using the nurse practitioner’s that was available at the university that I was attending before all of this and they had been wonderful. I had been have unexplained weight gain, foggyish, no energy; but we just thought it was from being 50 years old, working, single mother, studying and making art for my classes. So, in order to make a long story short, I had the surgery in March of 2010, finished the semester and earned my degree, did the six weeks of no medication and iodine, then had iodine/radiation in August, during this had been accepted in Master of Fine Art graduate program at another University and started at the end of August. I graduated with a MFA in May 2013 and I am now teaching all levels of Art including Art Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment for college credits. I AM EXHAUSTED. T am 60 pounds overweight and drag through each day. I don’t know how I accomplished all that I have accomplished since this all began. I pull myself out of the bed in the morning and can’t wait to get on my bed in the evening. Because of the schedule that I have been on for the few years, I have grabbed fast-food, relied on coffee and sugar and have not exercised. I was always ate very healthy and exercised. Now I do not even feel like doing any of this. I see where most people are having success with the Paleo diet and eliminating certain foods from their diet. I started using the different flours, and almond meal and have incorporating, coconut milk in my diet. My next move is to not drink any more coffee. I had stopped drinking coffee this last summer and drank herbal teas and could feel the difference, but started drinking coffee again around Christmas time and feel awful again. I need some suggestions for starting on the Paleo and some vitamins or nutrients that might help me to get on the right track. I feel like a slug looks like! It’s time to change!

And sorry about the rambling. So excited to find all of this information and people that are in the same boat. Physicians here keep saying that they don’t know how to relieve the symptoms. I know there has to be some things to do to help give me a little more energy and loose weigth! Just trying to make a long story short and need some suggestions through diet and vitamins or nurtients that could maybe help me to have more energy and loose weight!

I didn’t realise there were quite so many people with the condition! My doctor fobbed me off for ages when I went to him about headaches and weight gain, saying I needed to try a better diet and go to the gym, and prescribed me sleeping tablets for the headaches, which to be fair, made me sleep but when I woke the headache was still there! It took my midwife to finally get me tested as the doctors kept insisting I was too young to need my thyroids checked and as I had no family history of it (I’m adopted so don’t even know my family history!!) and at 23 when I finally got diagnosed it appeared I had had it since puberty! I don’t understand why the doctors don’t regularly check for this condition! It should definitely be more talked about and people should understand it!!
Sophie (Cumbria, UK) x

I was finally diagnosed in December 2012 and prescribed a too-low dose of Armour. Prior to that every doctor I went to, for 20 years, diagnosed me with depression and threw antidepressants at me…. which made everything worse! Now I am taking a proper dose of Armour and most of my symptoms are better, though not 100% and not all of them — however, my period is coming now on a regular 23-day cycle for the first time ever in my life. It’s a slow process getting the NDT dose worked out but well worth it.

I am so thankful for your page and other’s like yours. I was diagnosed postpartum hypo almost 10 years ago and have been on Synthroid ever since. In the past few years I really started to take better care of myself; eating right, sleeping 8-9 hours at night and working out 5-6 days a week, however, I was still feeling awful. I am always tired, some days tired doesn’t even really describe it, I can’t think straight, dry hair and skin …etc etc (you know all the crazy hypo symptoms). So last week after doing research I went to the doctor’s for a physical and asked about blood work and changing my meds, she instantly shut me down, told me, “my research was outdated”, that “that’s not standard procedure”, “you won’t be able to get the script filled around here”, and my favorite “I can test you for other things”. So between all the sites I have researched I found a way to get some of my own lab work done, my Antibody Thryroglobulin and Thyroid Peroxidase Ab came back flagged from the lab as “High”. So now I have to find a doctor that accepts my insurance and will listen to me…I feel so overwhelmed right now, but I’m tired of feeling like this and I’m so thankful for pages like yours that are giving me the tools I need to get through this. Thank you so much for all your postings and encouragement. Brenda

Hi Brenda – I am exactly the same as you – my second son was born in August 2003 and it took until May 2004 to discover that I had post partum hypo. I really struggled with breast feeding (which I have seen other ppl mention).

It has taken me a long time to find what works for me – metabolic training 3 – 4 times a week, healthy eating (as much as I possible can without feeling totally deprived as I enjoy baking with the kids). But as you say – even when I eat clean there are still days when I feel so tired and achy – naps have become a regular necessity if I have to go out anywhere!

There are so many of us out there – I am currently putting together a short description of how many illnesses our doctors see can be traced back to endocrine disorders. My General Practitioner is very good and is prepared to listen – but her hands are tied and she must work within the UK constraints.

Thanks to Dana, Mary, Gina and all the others our voice is getting louder!

Hi. I just found out site and find it amazing – I am learning so much by reading. I am going to get checked again with more tests as all I get is the TSH one and I know now I need more. Am going to a Naturalpath as well once I get my results. I have had this issue for over 45 years and am so tired of not feeling the best I can. Thank you so much and keep on writing.

Hi.
I’ve spent the last several years waiting for a pancreas transplant. It has been really terrible. But nothing prepared me for what has happened in the last couple months. I Traveled across the Country to Mayo in September because they had a match for me. Got on the operating table and was told my heart was racing to fast. So, they took me off. Found out my heart was beating a little fast because I was producing a little too much thyroid hormone. That night, a doctor who had JUST met me, told me I needed to get Radioactive Iodine in order to correct this “over active” thyroid. That was it. That was all he said. So, I did… After a couple days, I went home and went to work and everything was just back to normal. I started getting really tired. It didn’t really bother me, just thought it was lack of sleep. Then I started falling asleep during dinner, then at work, and even at the grocery store. It wasn’t until I got into a car accident, that I even thought to call the doctor. At this point, I’m having pains in my legs, I’m putting on weight, I’m upset, crying all the time, ect… I call my primary who does a thyroid panel. I told him about it being overactive (thinking it still would be somewhat) When the results came back, he called me and told me he didn’t even know how I was conscious enough to do anything. My TSH was 59.8 T4 was 4.8 and T3 was 1.3 The doctor at the Mayo Clinic completely destroyed my thyroid. With no warning of what this might mean for my future self. I can honestly say, I’d rather have my thyroid back then to get my transplant. I used to think I was sick before…But I would do anything to get back there. And the absolute worst part is that I inactivated myself on the transplant list because I just don’t think I have the will to survive such a big surgery… Any advice? I’m already on Synthroid. It doesn’t do anything for me.

Hi Dana. Great site.. such great timing too as I’m about to get test results back and confirm that I am hypothyroid. (I often know these things before my doctor, as I’m sure many women do!)

I’m 54 and past menopause (a very un-fun time for me due to FINALLY having hormones tested and finding my estrogen dominance/lack of progesterone, likely all my life.) Since I started my periods, I’ve had 3 days of fetal position pain each month, chronic fatigue (in my 20s especially), depression (surprising since i’m a very upbeat individual) and endometriosis and a grapefruit sized fibroid. I also have cystic breasts and a cyst burst in an ovary at one point.

Here’s what i can’t believe.. not ONCE did anyone say “we should check your hormones”. over 30 years of extreme ridiculous coping with these ailments.. and i got 7 types of synthetic birth control prescribed along with gravol (since i would vomit each month with the amount of pain i had.)

I’m on disability with the diagnosis of “depression”. My fatigue is a symptom of depression, my doctor tells me. (Dr. Oz says and so do i, that depression isn’t the illness.. it’s a symptom of something more! ) I know it’s more than depression and for at least 5 or 6 years I’ve spent my days trying to research everything i can on what may be my health issue. I’ve finally had my hormones tested a few times (blood work) and those weren’t too accurate because i no longer have periods so hormones were hard to track. I was also told my thyroid was “on the high side of normal” but it comes down to within the range (not sure if it’s the old range or the new standard) so they think all is well.

I am now seeing a hormonal specialist doctor who has been trying to balance my adrenals as well as my progesterone and estrogen. But i’m super super fatigue lately! and FREEZING cold (and i am NEVER cold.. i’m normally too hot!). My fingers and feet tingle a lot (really odd!) and my hair and nails are beyond atrocious. I have never seen my hair so dry or my nails drop off just for no reason!

So I know i’m hypothryoid. I started taking Lugol’s solution and after 5 days felt much better. Talked to my hormone doctor who told me to STOP immediately.. as it may attack my thyroid. I don’t believe i have that type of hypo but i stopped. I immediatley felt much worse again.. back to wanting to sleep endlessly.

She immediately ordered (expensive, not covered by medical plan) testing. I get the results in a week or so. I fully expect to see thyroid levels being beyond what they should be. I’m going to continue to read your blog.. you are very comprehensive and I’m feeling stronger just knowing there is good info out there! Plan to pass on links to your site to a few friends too. Thank you so much for your info and caring!

p.s. In BC, Canada, our medical will not do Reverse t3 testing. The labs where bloodwork is done have not even HEARD of this test. That’s NOT a good sign. I may have some work to do in getting some laws changed. Health is being SADLY shortchanged if we can’t even get proper testing at our own expense!

I am wondering if there is a registry of some sort… a place where other sufferers have entered the names of doctors who are open to treating thyroid disorders. I had a great endocrinologist in California who treated my Graves Disease. After the treatment, and a relocation, he retired. And now I am having trouble finding a doctor who even believes that thyroid treatment is valid. Since I had radiation on my overactive thyroid it has gone slow and I even had one doctor tell me that she was going to send me to a psychiatrist! I could look at the chart of my results and see that I had tested from the top of the chart to the bottom in a year… but she couldn’t? I asked for additional tests and was told that my original results did not warrant any further testing. But my hair falls out and I take kelp and drink coffee to stay awake during the day. I was always an active person… sadly, that is gone.

Hi I’m currently feeling like I’m losing it…I have been suffering from panic attack anxiety symptoms for about 8 months at first every day then I learned some breathing techniques & took valerian root to help me sleep or relax but as of the last few months off & on for no reason I can pin point I’ll be really tired or lazy feeling I’ll have racing nerves like I’ve taken diet pills or something I thought maybe it was sleep which if I don’t geta lot of sleep I am much worse but with sleep 8 hours or even 10 I can still get to feeling this way in the evening mainly or after I eat I’ll get dizzy spells loss of appetite I shake uncontrollably sometimes to the point of throwing up I have frequent trips to the bathroom to pee I have cold sweats and once I’m finally asleep I’ll wake up feeling OK but the it’ll hit I try to eat healthy I don’t drink soda I cut out coffee I drink a small amount of green tea with lemon & water…I try to drink more than 32 oz- 40oz a day but sometimes that’s all i drink I finally scheduled a Dr’s apt she thought it was thyroid so I had my blood work done it came back normal with mildly high liver enzymes so I have to re draw in 8 weeks also my body temperature has been staying in the 97° range the highest it’s been is 98.2 I’ve scheduled another Dr’s apt this following Monday and will ask more in depth on what to look for thyroid issues & what was tested. …I just don’t want to be diagnosed with anxiety when I have no idea what I would be anxious about! Please tell me what to ask for also I don’t have any weight issues or hair loss or brittle nails or swelling I did have an under active thyroid when I was pregnant with my oldest son 7 years ago the other 2 pregnancies were normal…. Thank you for your time!

Is it too late to sign up?:) I recently came across your website and it has been a great experience so far! I am from Romania, an European country that has a lot of work to do in the health department.
My story is this: when I was about 16, I accidentally felt a lump in my throat, on the right side. My mom (a doctor) instantly panicked and took me to the doctor. I had a cyst on my thyroid, which the doctor removed (after some tests) and I went on to have a normal life. I have to say that I hadn’t had any symptoms of hypo until then, I was a normal teenager, top of my class and high school. Then, about a year or two later, I went to another check up and on the spot of the removed cyst, I had developed a nodule… Since then, I have checked it regularly (by echo), without any TSH or other tests.
I should have known something was wrong because I was a brilliant student (modest me), who slowly started to cope harder with the challenges of university. It was not disturbing and I got a scholarship and went to study in Paris, but… I barely got it… I just thought it was the difficulty of a new town, a new life and just growing up.

THEN I went to see this great doctor, who checked my TSH, free T3, T4, ATPO. And they were normal… in the range, I mean. The TSH level was over 3, but under 4. So she put me on hormones ( I am not going to name it, because they have different names in Romania). I took them for a while, but since I hadn’t had any obvious symptoms, I did the incredible stupid thing of taking them … and then, on my own decision, stopped taking them for 2 or 3 years.
And I felt… great! No anxiety, no depression… yes, a little constipated (but not too much), yes, dry skin, but that was it. Then I met my husband, we started dating, we were in love, we moved in together and… it happened.
I would cry over the stupidest love scene or sad movie story, I had melt downs over the most irrelevant thing, I switched from depression to anxiety, and all the while, he was an innocent victim of my symptoms. I started to lose hair and my nails would exfoliate. And then he proposed to me and I was happy for a while… I cannot understand what made him want to marry me with all the mood swings and the depression. But he did. He also told me that he would do anything to make me happy, even though nothing worked.

It was my revelation… and I had a feeling it had something to do with my thyroid. I went to my wonderful doctor again, and the TSH level came at about 6. Since then, I started the hormones again, and I am not going off again. I still have dry skin, my hair stopped falling, my nails are better, and most importantly, I am no longer depressed or have mood swings. I have three thyroid nodules now, but I check them periodically.
I wish I had read this site when I was 23 and decided to stop medication, because TSH 3.3 is “normal”. But thank God I have a well read doctor and a great and honest husband. And thank you hypo mom, this site is just Great.

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in April of this year. I noticed i had a ball like in my neck and i immediately went to ER. I was told that i had nodules and they said i had to see my primary doctor, i did had test done etc and came out with m diagnosed. I was put on medication. I have all symptoms, however recently ive noticed that when im excited or happy i my body starts sort of vibrating or shaking inside me i can feel it!! Its really something because with people and when I’m speaking to them i start feeling like im talking to fast! My right hand shakes a lot i cant even put nail polish on my daughter a i use to.. I cant fun anything that describes this, any ideas? Im suppose to see a specialist have to do that, what do i look for how so educate myself before that appt? Im all over the place, i get soo tired

Hi Dana,
I stumbled upon your website and the timing couldn’t be more perfect!! My 15 year old daughter was just diagnosed with hypothyroid. She has struggled so much this year…emotionally, physically, being exhausted, feeling overwhelmed, not trusting her brain…its hard for me to know what my expectations should be with her in regards to her school work. Sometimes she is so overwhelmed and thinks she cannot learn. I think she is having panic attacks recently. This is not what I envisioned for her high school years. Do I speak with her school? Do I connect with her teachers? How do I encourage her to keep going when perhaps she can’t? I don’t know what to adjust to. She’s now asking to be homeschooled so she doesn’t have to deal with people and her hard classes. Help!
KK

KK, I’m sorry to hear what your daughter is going through. The first step is being sure she’s had all the right thyroid tests and that she’s being optimally treated. Every part of the body including the brain requires thyroid hormone for proper functioning so hypothyroidism can be misdiagnosed as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar, etc. Here’s an article about the link to mental health:

Be sure she has all the tests listed in the chart in this article here. You’ll notice the thyroid antibodies listed Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Be sure that test is done along with Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb):

Here is information on the thyroid medication options. If she’s on a T4 only Levothyroxine drug like Synthroid and she’s still not doing well, know that many of us do better on a combination of T4 and T3 meds:

As strange as it’s it was when I had read everything book I had.
I went into Barnes & Noble looking to get a new romance book.
I came across CRAZY SWEET FINE I knew who Rachel Gibson was but was new
to you and Jennifer Bernard. I read the book in 2 hours a I was
in book heaven with you and Jennifer Bernard. I have read everything by all three of you
and wilk never stop reading as along as you write.

I only wish I could get help. 3 years ago my doctor noticed my thyroid was enlarged herself and sent me for an ultrasound and bloodwork. It was all in ‘normal’ range, and as I wasn’t having any symptoms, it was dropped. I went to see her earlier this year as I had developed raynaud’s, my hands and feet were frozen and I was constantly cold. I asked about my thyroid, and was sent for the same tests- still normal. But at this point, I have a weird ring around my neck- looks like puffy fat, only it is lower down. I have an obvious goiter. I have dry skin, puffy eyes/face, weight gain, a very hoarse and raspy voice (sometimes actually hurts to talk) and the newest thing is pain in the tendons in my heels. Getting up in the morning is very painful now (this just started 2 weeks ago). I know something is wrong, but my doctor still claims it is normal. She told me to see a dietician for my weight gain. I just turned 34- I feel like I am double that. Where I live, there is a shortage of doctors and mine has never been the best (previous bad experiences) but I am unable to find anyone else, and she will not refer me. I cannot go elsewhere because I “already have a family doctor”. I don’t know what else to do. I have suffered on and off from extreme anxiety for years, and some depression, so my doctor just immediately tries to blame that- but it is not that! I am at a complete loss. Do I give up and go to the ER? I am not even sure they would help me with this- likely just tell me to go to my doctor.

I’m still dealing with a multitude of symptoms. I’m going to have to bookmark your article and make a list of the issues I’m currently dealing with. Then comes the whole thing of rallying myself to talk to the doctor and gear up for that round of energy draining battles. But, would be worth it in the end to reach a resolution to these issues.

I had to have my thyroid removed due to papillary carcinoma. It has been over 10 years and I have gained over 50 pounds, developed diabetes, sleep apnea and a host of other problems. I am currently on Synthroid because my doctor doesn’t believe the generic works as effectively. What tests should I ask for to see if my hormone levels need to be adjusted and what is the best type of medication? I am “sick and tired of being sick and tired” as you know.

My wife has suffered Hashimoto’s and bad doctors for 2 decades now. I am convinced that there will be no relief from Thyroidism until the research and treatments are less concerned with profit and more concerned with people. Perhaps it is time for you all to take matters into your own hands… 300 million people could crowd-fund an awful lot of research meant just for you.

I have suffered for years with symptoms, from miscarriages (4 total), to depression, weight gain and more. Several doctors did the regular blood test, that all came back normal, so nothing was ever done. Just a few months ago my daughters doctor mentioned something about some test results not being as accurate as a persons symptoms especially with hormone tests and thyroid tests. So I asked if I could come in and talk to her. Two days later, I was on levoxthrine started out at a low dose. Three weeks later they upped the dose, I started feeling great, still couldn’t lose weight though. Three more weeks and another dose increase. I asked about hashimotos and she said it is highly possible but treatment was the same. She finally did the TSH test and it was normal. Again. After a few more more dose increases with no improvement, she switched me to armour thyroid, and did the T3, T4, reverse T3, one of the three tests came in normal low, the other two were normal. So she doubled the dosage of the armour. I again asked about hashimotos and she said that it still wouldn’t change her treatment, but that she has hashimotos and she is pretty sure that I do also. I found a list of symptoms of hypothyroid on ask.com and have or have had 90% of them. When I look at your list of symptoms of hashimotos I have 90% of them. Unfortunately, she can’t help me anymore because our local hospital politics forced her out of our local clinic. I have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, CFS, meniers, tachycardia (resting heart rate of 120, sleeping heart rate of 100), high blood pressure and a general anxiety disorder. I’m so sick of not feeling good. My husband sent me to my moms, to shop for three days, for “chewing” on the kids. Thank you for your article on finding a good doctor for 2014, one of the links sent me to a page where I found one recommended in the town over. He is a functional medicine doctor, so I am hoping that finally I can get the antibody tests done. The information I am finding through your site is so helpful. I sent an article to my husband and he said it fits me to perfection. Again thank you.

I was the energizer bunny throughout my life, people envied my ability to just go on and on. I woke up one morning so tired, it was difficult to get out of bed. Months later I went to the doctor and after extensive blood work I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I gained weight which the doctor said I will not lose, my hair has thinned, I am no longer super energetic. I later developed an autoimmune called PBC, I itch so bad sometimes I found my self trying to scratch the bottom of my feet on the carpet and the doctor prescribed a pill that I can only take half of because I can’t function on a whole one. I also have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and panic attacks. HAVE to take 6 pills to start my day.

I’m 66 years old and was diagnosed as “hyperthyroid” at 15!!!! My eye doctor identified the “exothalmic eyes” that was the give away. I was allergic to the on,y medication at the time. I’ve lived with this for 51 years. Fortunately, I’ve been lucky. 90% of my glad was surgically removed at 17…the treatment of choice was radio active iodine and my parents wisely didn’t accept that alternative. After surgery, my remaining 10% kept me going into my late 30’s. I had a slight issue getting pregnant, but successfully carried my pregnancy (though it MAY have been twins, loosing one) to have a healthy daughter now 34. She also has mild thyroid issues along with celiac disease which runs in the family; however she too just had a very healthy easy to achieve pregnancy and gorgeous little boy. Currently I’m taking medication; for whatever reason, my levels are “odd” so,my doctor who is marvelous,mis adjusting made levels and ingest tested every six weeks. Hoping this last time gets it right. I feel good, struggle with weight but work out and eat well, stay active and engaged. I fight depression and take medication; have some aches and joint pain…is it age or thyroid???? I don’t know but keep on going, trying new things. My doctors have been respectful and helpful as have my daughters. I guess we’re lucky!

I have been diagnosed with thyroid condition. Some of my symptoms have gotten better but I am still having most of the symptoms. I feel helpless. I take my Synthroid every day and I’m not so tired any more and my cycles aren’t as bad. But still are not normal. I am 23 years old and I feel like I am on my last leg because I am just not getting anywhere with what is wrong with me altogether. Even with my medicine, I still feel my thyroid swelling everyday. The sad thing is, my OB/GYN found out about my thyroid.

Hi!, my name is Krizia i am from Cebu city, Philippines. I am a mother of two kids and i am also a hypothyroid mom, i am also suppering of hypokalemia. As of this moment i am still lying in the bed, beacuse i can’t move. My right hand is still can move. While i am scrolling through my cellphone i have read your article from hypothyroid mom. And i learned so many things on the article. Because i have no i dea on how this could be cure. I am very depressed. When my physician said that maybe your thyroid is now a cancerous. I was so sad there is a lot test to do. But we dont have enought money. As what the doctor said i should have to under go operation. I was very very much sad i don’t know how or where are we going to find money. I want to be alive and i want to spend more time with my family. I hope that someday we will find ways..

After 10 years with multple symptoms of what I thought were unrelated issues, I finally was diagnosed late last year. I had no idea that my thyroid was causing many, if not all of my problems. I was tired all of the time and depressed because I had no willpower. I was gaining weight and well on my way to an eating disorder. Here’s hoping that things will turn around, my doctor is slowly increasing medication. There may not be a light yet but I can finally see the tunnel.

I began taking thyroid medication (sythroid or eletroxin) when I was 14, now I am 38 and honesty have never felt worse in my life. You would think 24 years of having this and I would have it under control but it is far from it. It is a constant struggle to regulate my thyroid on either medication – up the dose, lower the dose, switch meds …. UGH, I’m sooo tired of it all – literally! I began my own investigation and found you – AMEN!!!!
I read a few of your articles and will be booking an appointment with a ND asap – I will also start removing gluten out of my diet. Thanks for sharing your story and creating awareness that there is hope (: much love to you and yours.

Hi I’ve been having health issues since I had my last. Child three years ago. I had rapid growing uterine fibroids ,pcos, high cholesteral, heart palpitations, post partum, anxiety , and cycsts in my breast. There is more but I don’t have all night lol anyways my doc checked my thyroid and said it’s fine. I can’t loose weight she put me on phentermine and had little resaults and it came right back as soon as I quit taking them. By the way I was also told I have a reaction to all food. I don’t k ow what to do should I find a new doctor

I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism Aug 2013. Since then I have been doing extensive reading and research on it. Now I am in the process of finding a physician that will dig deeper and test more thoroughly than my current physician’s “Oh, TSH is an excellent test and you seem to be doing fine on Synthroid” (her exact words). I am not doing fine currently but finding AI Paleo diet, T-Tapp exercise, Mary Shomon, numerous other websites and now you, I can get better.
During my research and current reading, I have come to realize that I have been thyroid sick at least 25 years. I went in for my first TSH 14 years ago and even though it was 4.3, I was within limits. Never mind that I had just gained 20 lbs in 6 weeks without changing my diet, that I was foggy brained, couldn’t focus or concentrate, that I lost a job because of that… the doctor said it was menopause. I did not go through menopause for another 8 years. Just before my diagnosis, my physician decided I had adult ADD. Classic! I fit it perfectly! But once I started on adrenal meds and Synthroid, all of the ADD symptoms went away.
I’m so glad that I found your website this past week. I have really felt like part of this community as I have read the blogs and the responses of hundreds of other women like me. I don’t feel so crazy anymore. I now realize that lots of people are diagnosed ADD, depressed, menopausal, etc.
Thank you so much for your time and effort to this cause.

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